Berry Hill Wood

The woodland around Berry Hill, just outside Bideford, is proper walking territory. Ancient oak and beech form a dense canopy that keeps things cool even on the warmest Devon days, and the forest floor is thick with moss and fallen leaves that muffle your footsteps. It's the sort of place where you half expect to bump into a badger.

There's no visitor centre or marked trails that I could find - this is woodland as it exists, not woodland designed for tourism. That's actually its appeal. You can wander the paths at your own pace, spot birds in the understory, and if you're lucky catch glimpses of the Torridge Valley through gaps in the trees. It's quintessential Devon rather than dramatic.

Walkers will get the most from Berry Hill. Families with young kids might find it a bit undirected after thirty minutes unless they're the type who enjoy proper exploring. History buffs won't find much to grab onto. But if you're staying at Coastal Cabins Glamping or Roeys Retreat nearby and want a morning or early afternoon escape from the coast, this does the job well. The air smells right - damp earth and old wood - and you'll emerge feeling like you've actually been somewhere rather than just walked round a car park.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though there's no official infrastructure. Best visited on a dry day, and bring proper boots.